When you are busy with woodworking projects getting the perfect and most accurate finish is key if you want your work to look professional. Having the right tools at your disposal will allow you to work more precisely as your tools are suited to your specific needs. When you try to adapt certain tools to complete your project you will likely have a messy and rough finish as the tools are not suited to the task.
If you need a tool that can trim the shoulders and tenons of your project then a shoulder plane is what you are looking for. It can be used to trim right into the concave corner at the perpendicular meeting of two surfaces of the same piece of wood. Another function for the shoulder plane is to clean up housings and tenons for joinery.
We have found the best shoulder plane’s out there so you can find one to suit your needs. Some criteria for a quality shoulder plane include a perfectly honed straight across cutting edge that is square to its sides. All our options include this top requirement and more, see which one you like best.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Taytools 469225 3-in-1 Shoulder Plane
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2. Grizzly Industrial T10266 – Flat Profile Shoulder Plane
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3. WoodRiver #92 Medium Shoulder Plane
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4. Shop Fox D3751 Precision Shoulder Plane
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5. Baosity Mini Hand Type Ebony Wood Shoulder Plane
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1. Taytools 469225 3-in-1 Shoulder Plane
Specification
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| Material | Cast Iron |
| Style | Traditional |
| Included Components | Blade |
Features
- This shoulder plane combines the features of a traditional shoulder plane, chisel plane and bull-nose plane
- Body made from ductile cast iron with precision ground sides and sole
- 0.110″ thick tool steel blade, hardened and tempered to 55-60 RHC. Blade has a lapped bevel and back.
- Sole precision ground to within British Standard of 0.002” over the entire length
This is an extremely versatile tool combining the features of a shoulder plane, chisel plane and bull-nose plane. To use as a shoulder plane, install the front extension piece. Remove the front extension to use as a chisel plane. Install the nose piece to turn into a bull-nose plane. Use the included shim to increase the mouth opening.
The body is machined from quality ductile cast iron with precision ground soles and sides. The edges have been blackened. The cutting iron is 0.110” thick with a 25 degrees lapped bevel and a flat lapped back. The 1 inch wide blade is bedded at 20 degrees and adjusted by means of a knurled adjustment screw. Blade is made from hardened tool steel hardened and tempered to 55-60 Rockwell “C” Hardness. The handle has a polished finish. Overall length is 7-1/2”. Weight is 2 pounds.
WHAT WE LIKE
The sole and side faces checked out smooth and square. The blade iron has a square basic bevel grind and took a nice edge using the sharp multi-level sandpaper approach. With a good edge on the iron, it gives plenty of feedback to sneak up on a serviceable cut depth.
Within short order you will be squaring up end-grain shoulders with better accuracy than you can with just paring chisels. It seems to handle end-grain cuts nice and smooth as long as you don’t get too aggressive with the cut depth. It fits very well pulling or pushing, as the leading hand fingers seat into the hole above the iron.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The blade is exactly the width of the body. On high end shoulder planes, the blade is very slightly wider than the body, which allows you to easily plane right up to the shoulder when trimming a tenon. As with most shoulder planes out the box the blade needs to be sharpened. It does not come with instructions which can be a challenge for a novice to navigate. The 3 in 1 aspect is not strictly speaking correct and is primarily a shoulder plane.
PROS
- Sole and sides are smooth and square
- Good edge on iron
- Great serviceable depth
- Allows for better accuracy
- Fits well pulling or pushing
CONS
- Blade width is not ideal
- Blade needs sharpening
- Instructions would be helpful
2. Best Budget – Grizzly Industrial T10266 – Flat Profile Shoulder Plane
Specification
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.25 x 7.71 x 1.41 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.11 Pounds |
| Style | Modern |
| Included Components | Blade |
Features
- The plane body is well made and of good quality wood
- The wedge fits well
- 1″ wide blade
- Plane Length: 150mm Cut width: 25mm.
This Ebony Flat Profile Shoulder Plane is profiled to fit the hand in the pull position. Features beautiful darky ebony body. Blade and sole measures 1″ wide. Trims tenon shoulders for precision joints and makes perfect rebates as well.
WHAT WE LIKE
The plane body is well made and of good quality wood. The wedge fits well. This plane feels great in your hand. Something about a solid block of ebony is just very nice to hold. The bottom came flat and true and the iron was in reasonably good shape.
After about 5 minutes of flattening, sharpening and honing, the iron was ready to use. It appears to hold its edge just fine. This plane is a no frills, plain as can be shoulder plane, but it does a good job at what it’s supposed to.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The blade is a bit too long (from shoulder to cutting edge) so the cutting edge protrudes too far; no way to retract it. It’s a bit fussy to adjust the depth of cut exactly where you want it. Inconsistent quality control means your shoulder plane may not arrive in the best condition.
PROS
- Good quality wood
- Wedge fits well
- Bottom is flat and true
- Iron is in reasonably good shape
- Holds it edge
CONS
- Blade is a bit too long
- Fussy to adjust the depth of cut
- Inconsistent quality control
3. Premium Choice – WoodRiver #92 Medium Shoulder Plane
Specification
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.7 x 4.1 x 1.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.35 pounds |
Features
- For tweaking tenons, rabbets and dados
- Sides square to sole
- Classic look and feel
- Adjustable mouth for minimizing tear out
This medium shoulder plane is a pleasure to use. It feels sturdy in the hand and provides excellent tactile feedback while working. It adjusts rapidly and you can close the throat to prevent tear out when planing against the grain.
WHAT WE LIKE
This medium shoulder plane is a pleasure to use. It feels sturdy in the hand and provides excellent tactile feedback while working. It adjusts rapidly and it is great that you can close the throat to prevent tear out when planing against the grain. Easy to use out of the box and easy to fine tune to your needs. All around good tools of the highest quality.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Vastly more expensive than other options on the market. The blade is unfortunately not long lasting and tends to chip after multiple uses meaning it is not as effective after time has passed. Quality control is inconsistent which can mean you don’t get the best unit.
PROS
- Feels sturdy
- Excellent tactile feedback
- Adjusts rapidly
- Close throat to prevent tear out
- Easy to use out the box
CONS
- More expensive option
- Blade is not durable
- Inconsistent quality control
4. Best Smallest Shoulder Plane – Shop Fox D3751 Precision Shoulder Plane
Specification
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6 x 2 x 1 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.25 Pounds |
| Style | Modern |
| Material | Cast Iron, Iron |
Features
- Two part sole; precision ways
- Adjustable internal set-screw
- Converts easily into a chisel plane
- For trimming shoulders of tenon joints
This cast iron Shoulder Plane is very finely made and features a two part sole, where the toe mates to the heel in precision ways. The throat can be adjusted and set with an internal set-screw. The toe portion can also be removed to yield a delicate chisel plane. Plane iron adjustment is very precise using the knurled thumb screw. Designed for trimming the shoulders of tenon joints, this plane measures 3/4 inch wide by 5 inch long.
WHAT WE LIKE
Perfect for trimming down tendons. This plane is easy to tune up and the build quality is better than expected for the price. Very handy for corners and easy to adjust. This model can be used as a chisel plane by removing the upper casting. The rails between the castings provide excellent realignment when reassembled as a shoulder plane. This model also allows mouth adjustment, and has a stop screw to set the mouth.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
You have to take this shoulder plane apart, clean it, sharpen the blade and set the throat width before you can use it. Arrives coated in grease to prevent corrosion but some parts still arrive rusted. Certain parts may not arrive in the best condition and may even require replacement.
PROS
- Ideal for trimming down tendons
- Good quality for the price
- Can be used as a chisel plane
- Rails provide excellent realignment as shoulder plane
- Allows mouth adjustment
CONS
- Needs extensive set up before use
- Rust on certain parts is a possibility
- Poor quality control
5. Best Dual Purpose – Baosity Mini Hand Type Ebony Wood Shoulder Plane
Specification
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 75x12x20mm |
| Style | Modern |
Features
- Two part sole; precision ways
- Adjustable internal set-screw
- Converts easily into a chisel plane
- For trimming shoulders of tenon joints
Baosity mini hand type ebony wood shoulder plane nose plane wood DIY crafts chisel plane with opened high speed steel blade included 75x12x20mm. Made with high quality wood and high speed steel. Compact size makes it portable and easy to use on the go. Ergonomic design for comfortable wood working.
WHAT WE LIKE
Overall good quality shoulder plane made with high quality wood. Its small size is great for smaller woodworking projects and is ideal for this purpose. An ergonomic handle means working with this unit is comfortable and easy. It’s a great tool for experts and beginners alike. Made from good quality ebony wood and high speed steel that allows your blade to stay sharp and ready to go with ease.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
This is a smaller unit that may not be suitable for all projects, especially bigger options that will require a more substantial option. This is a very basic shoulder plane only suitable for very specific functions and it is not very versatile from this point of view.
PROS
- Good quality
- Small size ideal for small projects
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Great tool across all experience levels
- Made with high quality and durable materials
CONS
- Not ideal for bigger projects
- Only suitable for certain functions
- Not versatile
Buyer’s Guide
Type of Material
A big consideration when you look at investing in any tool is what it is made of and how long it will last. You want a durable option and when it comes to a shoulder plane you would preferably have a heavy duty steel or cast iron option that will really stand the test of time. Even a well sealed and dense wood option can last if made well.
The Blade
When it comes to any tool that cuts you want a high quality blade that can be sharpened and remain that way. A blade that can make clean and neat cuts that allow for a professional finish. Stainless steel is usually the best kind of blade that is resistant to rust and corrosion and handles stress well.
Ease of Use
Depending on your level of experience you will need to consider ease of use. In general a woodworking beginner will need a shoulder plane that is easy to set up and use. The more things that need to be done to use the shoulder plane will make the general use of this tool more intimidating for a novice. Look for units that can be used out of the box that come with helpful instructions. Additionally you want a unit that is easy to hold so an ergonomic handle is ideal when it comes to this.
Portability
Ideally you want a shoulder plane that is compact and easy to take with wherever your woodworking project may take you. Having this tool on hand will mean you can remove uneven edges in record time.
Conclusion
When it comes to shoulder plane tools you want something made with good quality durable material, a solid, long lasting blade, a unit that is easy to use as well as being portable. The Taytools 469225 3-in-1 is our top choice as the best shoulder plane as it ticks all these boxes and more.
The sole and side faces of this tool are smooth and square for added accuracy and precision. A good edge on the iron gives you a good serviceable cut depth. You can be squaring up end-grain shoulders with better accuracy in record time. It fits well pushing and pulling with a comfortable and ergonomic handle. You will handle uneven edges for your woodworking projects with ease with this number one shoulder plane choice.
I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
